When hydraulic fluid is released under pressure, the usual result is an atomized spray or mist of oil droplets that may extend as far as 40 feet from the break. The flammable oil spray can be easily ignited by hot surfaces such as heated or molten metal, electric heaters, open flames or welding arcs. The resulting fire usually is torch-like with a very high rate of heat release. Automatic sprinklers can protect the building and prevent involvement of other nearby combustibles, but the torch-like fire presents very little burning surface for cooling or wetting. The high-heat release can continue, triggering multiple sprinklers until the oil discharge is stopped.